The controversial police chief who pioneered the "softly, softly" approach to cannabis possession in south London still does not know if an inquiry has cleared him of alleged drug offences.

Former Lambeth Commander Brian Paddick was moved to a desk job while claims that he smoked cannabis were investigated.

His former partner, James Renolleau, also said he kept cannabis in the police officers' home.

But amid reports that the investigation has cleared him, Mr Paddick said he was unaware of any findings.

Inquiry unfinished

On discussion website Urban75 Mr Paddick wrote: "As far as I know the investigating officer from Humberside has only just finished his report.

"He can make recommendations - and I do not know what they are - but they have to be ratified by the Crown Prosecution Service, the Police Complaints
Authority and the Metropolitan Police Authority.

"The result of all this? A final conclusion in about November I reckon."

The investigation is also looking at whether Mr Paddick breached internal Metropolitan Police guidelines by not informing his superiors that Mr Renolleau was on bail for an alleged offence of fraud while they were having a relationship.

A Police Complaints Authority spokesman said: "The inquiry is not finished, there are still some investigations to be completed."